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European travel and art

A seaside holiday in Perast, Montenegro

I think that Montenegro is truly one of the best European destinations. Iâ€™ve already written about Montenegroâ€™s stunning coastline and its unspoiled, wild interior, ideal for hikers, rafters, walkers and other sports enthusiasts.

One of my top Europe travel tips is a holiday in the pretty Montenegro seaside town of Perast. This lovely little Adriatic town on the Boka kotorska (Gulf of Kotor) is an ideal base for a relaxing holiday.

This tiny Venetian town is dramatically situated on the edge of the Adriatic fjord, surrounded by imposing, rugged mountains on all sides. Swimming in the warm waters with this dramatic backdrop is a highlight of any visit to Perast.

The architecture is lovely and time seems to have stood still in this little Adriatic outpost, once an important maritime power and the home to brave sailors who fought as part of the Venetian Empire (1420-1797) against the Ottomans. Perastâ€™s Â history museum is housed in the grand Venetian BujoviÄ‡ Palace and its small collection traces the rise of Perastâ€™s power.

The town has a small beach in an idyllic point, just in front of two lovely island churches. One of the churches, Our Lady of the Rock -Â built in 1630 on an artificial island said to have been constructed at the site of a shipwreck – can be visited by frequent boats departing from Perast. The churchÂ houses a small, but interesting museum.

If you are travelling with kids, you'll spend lots of time at the town's popular 'Pirate Beach'.

The 17th century St Nicholasâ€™ church, on the main town square, has a dramatic belfry. Visitors can climb to the top and the vantage point offers dramatic and breathtaking views over the town and the fjord below.

Perast is also an ideal base for exploring other towns in the Boka region â€“ beautiful Kotor is just 12 kilometers away – or other areas of Montenegro or nearby Dubrovnik, Croatia. You are sure to enjoy your time in this idyllic corner of the Montenegro coast.